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BORN
1948
DIED
2024
Bruce Schaefer Obituary
March 24, 1948 - June 3, 2024
There is no way to deny that Bruce / Dad / Poppi was a fortunate man.
He was adopted in 1948 (Fred and Esther Schaefer), married in 1972 (Juliet Schaefer), kiddos a bit later (Chris Schaefer and Jill Bolger, nee Schaefer), daughter and son in-law to follow (Stacey Schaefer and Bobby Bolger), and grandkids a while after that (Isabelle, Kathryn, Juliette, Bruce, Ryder).
His family meant the world to him, and vice versa.
He met Juliet in Perth, Australia while they were just two kids traveling the world. This would be their first adventure together, but hardly their last, and travel remained a huge part of their life for the next 55 years.
In his lifetime, Bruce would have countless adventures around the globe; including a solo motorcycle ride across the US on his Harley, snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos, and more trips to England to visit Juliet's family than can be reasonably counted.
Following in his dad's footsteps, he had a successful career in construction and cooling towers. He began his professional life digging ditches and finished it in charge of everything west of the Mississippi.
He loved young people and worked with disadvantaged youth both in California and Australia.
He was friends with Bill W. for 35 years.
Around the world, from Sonoma County to Tatenhill, Perth to Belgium, and Singapore to Missouri approximately a zillion people loved him, his jokes, and his stories.
Any way you slice it this guy lead a charmed life. And he knew it.
He passed on Monday, 3 June at 10:00pm, with his wife and kids by his side.
To say he will be missed doesn't encompass the deep feeling of loss that those who loved him will forever feel.
To which he would respond: "Be of good cheer I'm the luckiest guy you'll ever meet."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Schaefer
Sally Fox
June 3, 2025
Miss your unique humour and wonderful stories Bruce. Thanks for being a special friend xxxx
Kathryn Schaefer
September 5, 2024
Poppi, I remember cooking with you
Terry Hart
June 28, 2024
Bruce was a good friend and co-worker. I always enjoyed his wit and quick one liners. He kept us all on our toes! He will be missed by all and I want to send to Juliet and family my deepest sympathy.
Sharolyn Molle
June 27, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing, and offer my condolences to his family and friends. "Marleyans All" have lost a great and well-liked coworker and friend of many years.
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Anne and Bob Ryder
June 20, 2024
He was a wonderful giant of a man. Rest in Peace Bruce
Angela Griffiths
June 17, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Bruce was a vibrant and active man who lived life to the full. I have fond memories of my time as an AuPair for their neighbours in Arizona back in 1986-87 when Chris and Jill were small. Bruce was studying at the time and was always there to help.
Sending Love
Angela xxx
Anne Robinson nee Stonier
June 11, 2024
I have never met Bruce as I'm a Zimbabwean cousin of Juliet but loved the journal of his swan song trip. Sending love and condolences to all his family.
Michael Lombardi
June 10, 2024
Bruce was my dearest friend for 67 years. I had just turned 10 and Bruce was 9 and we met on the playground. I will miss him the rest of my life.
Julie Schmidt
June 10, 2024
Lucky to have called Bruce my friend for almost 60 years. Hoping you had a "soft" landing and that you´re dancing among the stars with Fred and Esther.
Sally Fox
June 10, 2024
Sally Fox
June 10, 2024
Chuck Forrest
June 10, 2024
Bruce was the type of friend/father/family man that the rest of would aspire to be, but will always fall short. His bigger than life personality and genuine love of just about everyone he ever met almost seems to good to be true. But true it was. I am a better person just for knowing him and his passing leaves a big hole in my heart. He was truly one of a kind.
Nick Stonier
June 10, 2024
Nick Stonier
June 10, 2024
Nick Stonier
June 10, 2024
Pictures of our last trip with Bruce in September last year.
More great memories added to the list going back so many years. Love to all the family.
From Nick & Roz
Jim Patterson
June 9, 2024
Kudos Bruce, you lived an amazing life! There you go (always in the lead) on a new adventure. We will catch up later!
It was such a privilege to be your friend, ski buddy, colleague and at first your competitor. In all your capacities I marveled at your wit, insight and engaging presence. Work or play, It was always fun. I am so grateful!
Juliet and family, my heart is with you!
Sandy Meadows
June 9, 2024
Bruce´s star is shining bright for all of us lucky enough to be in his orbit! Look up....he´s there
Heidi Hoffman
June 9, 2024
Thinking of you All and sending love to your
Caroline Ryder
June 9, 2024
We will all miss him - we have so many happy memories throughout our kids growing up of stuff we did with him and Juliet. This photo was taken on day I saw him for the last time in person. He is irreplaceable but lives on through his kids, grandkids and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace Cousin Bruce X with love from Mark, Caroline, Zack and Jacob
Maggy and Anthiny
June 9, 2024
For such a lovely guy who made such a big impression when we met in the UK and to his wife Juliet and all his family- love and hugs in their sadness. May Bruce rest in peace nowMaggy and Anthony Lidster
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